Indio's Empire Polo Club comes to life with performances from global superstars, iconic acts, and emerging talents — all framed by eye-catching art installations and stunning sunsets. Outside the multiple music stages and tents, Coachella offers a sensory feast from gourmet dining to immersive experiences, plus a creative energy that pulses day and night. The festival started in 1993 with Pearl Jam and has since welcomed acts as diverse as Lady Gaga, the Beastie Boys, Coldplay, and Ariana Grande. And it’s not unusual for fans to see a celebrity or two enjoying the other entertainers in the crowd. 

The Valley transforms into the ultimate country music destination, where fans two-step and sing along under open desert skies to performances by a mix of country stars and genre-blending artists. It’s the sister festival to Coachella that features country, bluegrass, and alternative country, among other genres. Recent acts have included Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, and Miranda Lambert.

Beyond the music, the Coachella Valley boasts a wide range of food, cultural, and community events, ensuring there's always something to experience.

The Palm Springs International Film Festival unites filmmakers, industry professionals, and film lovers for a sophisticated celebration of cinema. Originally championed by Sono Bono, attendees can enjoy screenings by well-known filmmakers and newer talent, dynamic Q&A sessions, industry panels, and glamorous parties and events. Actors including Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, Christian Bale, Brad Pitt, and Brie Larson have attended in the past.

This PGA golf tournament combines thrilling competition with unique fan experiences and live concerts featuring major headliners. With its focus on community programs and charitable initiatives, the tournament is a can’t-miss event for golf enthusiasts and casual fans alike. Sepp Straka took home the trophy in 2025.

The Southwest Arts Festival is held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. The four-day celebration of creativity and culture highlights more than 200 talented artists from across the nation. Attendees can peruse an eclectic array of fine art, jewelry, and crafts, discovering distinctive treasures and engaging directly with their creators.

Modernism Week is a major event for midcentury design enthusiasts. It offers tours of iconic homes and landmark buildings, expert-led discussions, and other interactive experiences. The 2025 edition marks the 20th anniversary of  Modernism Week, which also has a fall edition in October.

Fashion Week El Paseo in Palm Desert brings to life the latest designs from top designers through glam runway shows, celebrity meet-and-greets, and in-store events. Pierre Cardin headlined the 2025 event, but it’s also a place to find up-and-coming talent. While you’re there, you can partake in cocktail receptions, network with industry professionals, and discover the latest styles at pop-up shops.

The BNP Paribas Open, featuring top players from the men's and women's professional tours, lives up to its reputation as "tennis paradise." With its high-energy atmosphere, luxurious amenities, and picturesque setting at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, this event blends world-class tennis with a memorable fan experience.

The internationally recognized American Documentary and Animation Film Festival (AmDocs), has become a major platform for featuring independent filmmakers since its conception in 2011. The festival features a diverse lineup of films that cover a range of social, cultural, and political issues.

Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure at the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival in the El Paseo shopping district. Bringing together top chefs like Michelin-starred Curtis Stone, renowned vintners, and expert brewmasters, this event offers hands-on cooking demos, tasting experiences, and more. Fans of the show Top Chef were delighted in 2025 to see cheftestants Brooke Williamson and Antonia Lofaso.

Greater Palm Springs Pride is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community that includes such events as a parade through downtown Palm Springs, a block party, and the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast honoring community trailblazers. 

The Palm Springs International Short Film Festival celebrates short films from the U.S. and dozens of other countries. This prestigious festival offers something for every film lover, including thought-provoking documentaries, compelling narratives, and experimental works — all under 40 minutes.

Make Hyatt Vacation Club at Desert Oasis your home base when you visit the Palm Springs area, which is known for as many as 350 days of sunshine. Your intimate retreat or action-packed vacation escape will certainly be memorable. 

Maggie Downs is a desert-based journalist who has written for the Wall Street Journal, Travel + Leisure, Afar, and more. She's the author of the memoir, "Braver Than You Think," and the family adventure guide, "50 Things To Do Before You're Five."

¹ Availability of activities and amenities may vary and is subject to change without notice. A reservation, fee, and/or waiver may be required for some activities and amenities.

² Lifeguards do not monitor pools or other areas with water amenities. Adults must accompany children at pools and other areas with water amenities at all times. Refer to resort signage and the property’s rules and regulations for additional guidelines, including applicable age restrictions.

³ No inquiry has been made into the off-site locations, activities, services, or events, or the qualifications, safety, or quality of the off-site locations, activities, services, or events, and WHV Resort Group, Inc. and HV Global Group, Inc. (collectively, “HVC”) make no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, or any other aspect of such off-site locations, activities, events, or service providers listed herein. Do not consider this an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the off-site locations, activities, services, events, or providers. Neither WHV Resort Group, Inc. nor HV Global Group, Inc. assumes liability for attendance at, or visits to, any off-site locations, or the products, activities, or services furnished by independent service providers. Additional fees and costs may apply. Activities and events are subject to change. Some activities or events may require the participant to be in good health and have a certain level of skill.